This month we celebrate Fire Prevention Week, Oct 9-15, 2016! According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), over 5,000 people are injured from workplace fires each year. National Fire Prevention Week was first established way back in 1911 as a single day to observe the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and inform the public about fire prevention. In 1922, Fire Prevention Day was expanded to Fire Prevention Week.
Every business, large or small, needs a fire prevention plan. If you employ 10 or fewer employees, OSHA does not mandate the plan to be in writing; nevertheless, it’s smart for all companies to create and share a strategy with staff in the event of a fire.
A fire prevention plan that follows OSHA regulations must include the following:
- A list of all major fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and their control, and the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard
- Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials
- Procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible materials
- The name or job title of employees responsible for maintaining equipment to prevent or control sources of ignition or fires
- The name or job title of employees responsible for the control of fuel source hazards
Employees must be informed of the fire hazards they are exposed to at the beginning of the job. Even awareness of potential fire hazards can help prevent disasters. An employer must also review with each employee those parts of the fire prevention plan necessary for self-protection.
Obviously, not every fire can be prevented, but the appropriate response in the event of a fire can mean the difference between life and death. Call the professionals at Fire Control Systems to help you with your fire prevention plan.